alexithymia

noun

alex·​i·​thy·​mia ə-ˌleks-i-ˈthī-mē-ə How to pronounce alexithymia (audio)
: inability to identify and express or describe one's feelings

Note: People with alexithymia typically display a lack of imaginative thought, have difficulty distinguishing between emotions and bodily sensations, and engage in logical externally oriented thought.

Individuals with high levels of alexithymia are usually aware of their emotional arousal; however, they have difficulty differentiating emotions and verbalizing them.John S. Ogrodniczuk et al., The American Journal of Psychotherapy
alexithymic adjective
an alexithymic patient

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Cite this Entry

“Alexithymia.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/alexithymia. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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